Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action Sparks Conversation among African American Family in Baltimore
(Baltimore, MD) – The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities has sparked a passionate discussion among the Whitehead family, an African American family residing in Baltimore. The decision, effectively ending the practice of affirmative action, has left the family with mixed emotions, mirroring the sentiments felt by individuals across the nation who are invested in the ruling.
Karsonya Wise Whitehead, 54, a college professor, expressed her devastation over the ruling, stating that she had to sit down to process “the type of history being made at that moment.” Her husband, Johnnie Whitehead, 59, the principal of a Christian school, shared his ambivalence towards affirmative action. While he is hopeful that it is no longer needed, he fears that it may still be necessary.
The Whitehead’s eldest son, Kofi, 22, immediately texted his brother Amir, 20, to share the news. Kofi expressed concerns about the potential chilling effect the ruling might have on the next generation of Black students. However, Amir disagreed, feeling that ending affirmative action was not wrong because admissions should be solely based on merit.
The conversations regarding race and affirmative action among the Whitehead family have been ongoing since their children were young. They have grappled with questions surrounding the legacy of slavery and how to address racial tensions in contemporary America. These discussions have evolved over time, covering topics such as reparations and equity.
Regarding reparations, Kofi favors them but does not know what the appropriate amount should be. Amir also supports reparations in some form, believing that Black Americans deserve a share of the country they helped build. Dr. Whitehead is a staunch advocate for reparations, considering it the only way to address the historical debt. Mr. Whitehead agrees that Black Americans are deserving of reparations but does not view them as a solution for racism.
While African Americans generally support affirmative action, opinions vary. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, 47% of African American adults approve of race-conscious admissions at selective colleges. A separate NBC poll found that about 77% of African Americans believed an affirmative action program was still necessary.
The divergent views on affirmative action were also evident in the arguments put forth by the two Black Supreme Court justices. Justice Clarence Thomas, a long-time critic of affirmative action, questioned its effectiveness in addressing racial disparities. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on the other hand, criticized the court’s conservative majority for being oblivious to the issue of race.
The Whiteheads’ opinions on affirmative action align with both justices’ arguments to some extent. Dr. Whitehead, personally benefitting from affirmative action as the first Black student in a prestigious program, views its dismantling as a “gut punch.” She is concerned about future implications for corporate hiring and other aspects of life. Mr. Whitehead sees affirmative action as a necessary measure to counter discrimination against African Americans and believes legacy preferences should be abolished if affirmative action is eliminated.
Kofi, who recently graduated from college, perceives the Supreme Court ruling as out of touch and detrimental to future generations of Black students aspiring to attend elite institutions. He argues that affirmative action is essential for creating diverse campuses and fostering learning from different backgrounds. Amir, however, disagrees and believes that admission should be based on qualifications rather than race. He feels that sometimes cases come down to race due to the country’s focus on racial issues.
The Whitehead family’s ongoing conversation surrounding race and affirmative action reflects the broader discussion among African Americans grappling with the legacy of slavery and seeking paths towards equity. As the nation continues to navigate racial tensions, the perspectives presented by families like the Whiteheads shed light on the complexities of these crucial issues.